About the agreements on a Green Denmark

Billedet illustrerer regeringen der præsenterer den grønne trepartsaftale
For the first time in Danish history, a dedicated ministry has been established with the sole purpose of implementing a political agreement: The Ministry of Green Transition.

The Agreement on a Green Denmark is the name of the collaborative framework established between the Danish government and key stakeholders in the agricultural and environmental sectors. In the summer of 2024, the parties behind the agreement concluded the historic Agreement on a Green Denmark, which aims to secure more nature, cleaner water, and a sustainable transformation of Danish agriculture.

Later that same year, the government entered into a political agreement titled Implementation of a Greener Denmark with the Socialist People’s Party (SF), the Social Liberal Party (Radikale Venstre), the Liberal Alliance, and the Conservative People’s Party. This ensured broad political support for the implementation of the Agreement on a Green Denmark.

These agreements represent some of the most ambitious environmental initiatives in Danish history. They are not only focused on improving the environment but also on maintaining Denmark’s position as a global leader in the green transition.

What Are the Main Elements of the Agreements?

The agreements outline a fundamental reorganization of land use across Denmark, as well as a number of initiatives to protect the environment and reduce climate impact. Key elements include:

  • 250,000 hectares of new forest – equivalent to the size of Luxembourg
  • Conversion of 140,000 hectares of lowland farmland, which emits large amounts of CO₂ when cultivated, into natural areas such as wetlands and meadows
  • Increased biodiversity, including the creation of 21 new national parks, one peri-urban national park, and improvements to the marine environment in Lillebælt and Øresund
  • Enhanced water quality efforts, with a focus on reducing hypoxia in Danish fjords and coastal waters
  • A CO₂ tax on livestock production – Denmark will become the first country in the world to introduce such a tax
  • Future-oriented, competitive, and sustainable food production, with increased investment in biosolutions, climate technologies, and plant-based foods
  • 5.76 billion EURO for Denmark’s Green Land Fund, to finance green initiatives
  • 23 local tripartite groups, where municipalities, landowners, and the state work together to protect nature – for example, through afforestation or wetland restoration on lowland soils
5.76 billion

EURO is what Denmark's Green Land Fund receives

250.000

hectares of new forest – equivalent to the size of Luxembourg

Who Is Behind the Agreements?

The agreements were made by the government in collaboration with a number of political parties and organizations, including:

  • The Government, along with the political parties Socialist People’s Party (SF), Danish Social Liberal Party (Radikale Venstre), the Liberal Alliance, and the Conservative People’s Party (Det Konservative Folkeparti)
  • Local Government Denmark (KL)
  • Danish Agriculture & Food Council (Landbrug & Fødevarer)
  • The Danish Society for Nature Conservation (Danmarks Naturfredningsforening)
  • The Food Workers’ Union NNF (Fødevareforbundet NNF)
  • The Danish Metalworkers' Union (Dansk Metal)
  • The Confederation of Danish Industry (Dansk Industri)

This broad support ensures that the agreements reflect both environmental and climate considerations, as well as the interests of affected industries and communities.

What Will the Agreements Mean for the Citizens?

The Green Transition will bring significant changes to Denmark in the years to come. For citizens, this means:

  • More nature nearby – With new forests, meadows, and nature areas, more Danes will have easier access to nature experiences
  • Cleaner drinking water – More protected nature areas mean less pollution of groundwater
  • Healthier marine environments – A major effort to reduce nitrogen emissions and oxygen depletion will help restore life to fjords and coastal waters
  • Changes in agriculture – Danish agriculture will remain strong, but it will undergo a transformation to become more climate-friendly and technologically advanced
  • Better conditions for plant-based foods – 134 million EUR will be invested in promoting plant-based products and organic farming